Business owners often think that marketing your business is expensive and that in order to save, you can start off by using word of mouth. But this is never enough. It is slow and difficult for businesses which are not yet established names in the market. There are other forms of small business marketing that is guaranteed to bring in new customers and reach out to your target market.
The Yellow Pages are still frequently used by those who are looking for particular products or services. Businesses with yellow page ads still get a better chance of getting an inquiry than those without one. Check out your budget and see how much you can afford then get the biggest yellow page ad that will fit your budget.
Local newspapers and magazines are a good place to advertise. Sometimes, they come out with special advertising issues or features that include businesses for a particular sector. Perhaps there may also be newspapers targeted to people with special interests. This will reach the market that you are targeting.
Direct mailing and emailing to your target market are often appreciated by people who are often looking for what you are offering to them.
If you do not have a mailing list, do your direct mailing geographically. Be careful about spamming though when you send emails. Emails are better for maintaining existing customers than searching for new ones. Have business cards printed out. Business cards are one form of advertising. Every time you give out one of your cards, it is considered as small business marketing.
Vehicle advertising is one of the most visible small business marketing strategies. Wherever you go, you carry your advertisement with you. If customized vehicle wrap around sticker or a quad sign that sits on top of the vehicle is still too expensive for you, go for a magnetic sign that can be taken off when you want to use your vehicle for your private affairs.
Join business organizations which might offer marketing opportunities for members through their website. Sometimes being a member is already an advertisement in itself. You might also think of joining trade shows. Some business organizations come up with trade shows that offer discounted rates for its members. Trade shows are a good venue for your business to be seen and draws in your target customers.
Advertise on the local websites, radio and TV. Television advertising rates may still not be in your marketing budget but you can go for cable TV which offers a lower rate than regular through their TV guide listings or through infomercials. Radio commercials are generally cheaper. Advertise on local websites that offer information on your local area. Some counties or state have websites that welcome business listings or ads.
These small business marketing strategies all have an impact on getting your business known without hurting your pockets. Employing them would definitely have a big effect on getting your business known.